Most people know that poor dental health can lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. But did you know that neglecting your brushing routine could put you at risk of a heart attack or stroke?
Poor dental hygiene causes gum disease, which can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. One of the most common warning signs of gum disease is inflammation. Gingivitis, a condition in which your gums become inflamed, occurs when there is a buildup of plaque on your teeth.
Swollen, tender gums that bleed easily are a sign of gingivitis. Not treated properly, this condition can escalate to periodontitis. When this happens, the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, allowing harmful bacteria to form pockets beneath the gumline, attack the bone, and enter the bloodstream.
Any bacteria that slip into your bloodstream through the network of blood vessels in your mouth can be carried to your heart. The bacteria can cause inflammation and arterial plaque, which restricts the amount of blood that’s able to flow to your heart and puts you at a higher risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Once you develop periodontitis, no amount of brushing and flossing will be sufficient, and a professional cleaning at a dentist’s office is necessary. The best defense against gum disease is a proper brushing and flossing routine. If your gum problems persist, speak to your dentist as soon as you can. Periodontitis is treatable through deep cleaning and antibiotics. You’ll immediately feel better, and you’ll lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Dr. Alexa Alborzi Has helped more than 8,500 children, teens, end adults transform their happy, healthy smiles, and orthodontics. Through her 25 years of experience, She has developed the ability to produce smiles in a fraction of the usual time without headgear, extraction, or expenders. She is known to tackle some of the most difficult orthodontist’s cases with a high degree of success and minimal surgeries. As a respected professor of orthodontics for 14 years, she has instructed many graduate students at the University of California San Francisco, School of dentistry. Her vision of excellence has also led her to be an active supporter of many local community programs such as Smiles Change Lives and Sonrisas Community programs. Giving back to her community is a personal drive learned from her parents who ran an orphanage and taught the value of helping others. For more information visit www.alborzismiles.com
